Funds from boat shows produced by marine trades associations often do much more than support lobbying or market promotion. A great example comes from the Northwest Marine Trade Association and its Anacortes Yacht & Boat Show.
The show is jointly produced with the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. From its success this year, a contribution of $28,000 is being made to bolster youth boating initiatives and support marine workforce development.
This show was initiated in 2018 and has grown to be a premiere on-water exposition on the West Coast that now draws attendees from a wide geographical area. According to the chamber, the joint effort with NMTA has cemented the event as a significant driver of tourism and revenue for the city.
Jesica Kiser, president and CEO of the Anacortes chamber, emphasized the profound impact of the NMTA on Anacortes.
“The marine trades industry stands as one of the largest economic drivers in Anacortes,” she said. “We are thrilled to reinvest back into this industry, thanks to the remarkable success of the boat show. The city is fortunate to host such a high-quality event, a stellar tourism draw and a remarkable contributor to the city’s sales revenue.”
A portion of the contribution will go to the Anacortes Waterfront Alliance to acquire three new Tera sailboats, expanding its capacity to engage more youth in their learn-to-sail classes, increase the size of the fleet for its middle school racing team, and expand the size of its rental fleet for community-access days.
“We’re honored and grateful to receive these funds, which will allow us to get more future boaters of America, as I call them, on the water,” said Mary Trester, executive director of the Anacortes Waterfront Alliance.
Other funds will go to the Skagit Valley College Marine Technology program to facilitate the procurement of outboards dedicated for training. The initiative aims to enhance marine workforce development by providing essential resources for skill-building within the industry.
Additionally, Shawn Ottenbreit of Salish Boat allowed the college to purchase the engines at cost while donating $1,000 that allowed the school to parlay the overall donation into seven engines, two more than they would have been able to purchase at retail.
Founded in 1947, the NMTA is the country’s oldest and largest regional marine trade association. In 2022, the Anacortes show partnered with Trawlerfest to add its educational events and seminars. The 2024 show is scheduled for May 16-18.
Daytona Boat Show
The Daytona Boat Show is among the industry’s first winter events, scheduled for Jan. 12-14 at the Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida, this year’s show will be built around 15 of central Florida’s largest dealers displaying more than 300 boats from 70-plus builders.
“Our Daytona Boat Show is designed for new and avid boaters to explore the latest in boat models and accessories,” says Cathy Case, MIACF executive director. “It is central Florida’s premier boat show and reflects our wide-ranging boating opportunities and lifestyles.”
MIACF also produces the annual Orlando boat shows.
